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DVD Straightjacket - Superman / Batman: Public Enemies

Synopsis:A desperate solution for a troubled country: Lex Luthor for President with the Justice League in the service of the government. Only Batman and Superman stand against the new regime – and their disloyalty proves to be exactly what Luthor intended. Using their outcast status to instigate a scandal against Superman, Luthor finally tastes a victory in his vendetta against The Man of Steel.

Special Features (2-Disc Set):The Blackest Night: Inside the DC Comics EventBehind the scenes of Blackest Night, the epic DC superhero event in which the dead shall rise.

A Test of MindsSuperman and Batman featurette with Jeph Loeb, giving viewers a fresh and revitalized look at the team-up of Superman and Batman working together despite their often competitive and challenging relationship.

Dinner with DC: With Special Guest Kevin ConroyKevin Conroy joins the crew for dinner to discuss their creative approach and what the Superman/Batman team-up means. The evening will be hosted by Voice Director Andrea Romano, Producer Bruce Timm, and DC’s Gregory Noveck.

Plus, an “extended sneak peak” at the next DCU film and two Justice League Unlimited episodes chosen by Bruce Timm. The Blu-Ray version has four more cartoon episodes.

Review:Superman / Batman: Public Enemies is a fan boys dream come true. This straight-to-DVD flick has everything a comic book fan could ever want. DC has thrown everything AND the kitchen sink into this project. The action never lets up.

DC definitely put together a really impressive list of creative minds to create this truly stellar animated film. Director Sam Liu comes with a resume that includes the upcoming Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, Hulk Vs., The Batman series, Max Steel series, Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles, Godzilla: The Series, and Extreme Ghostbusters. Then add Stan Berkowitz (Transformers: Animated, Legion of Super Heroes, The Batman, Justice League: The New Frontier, Superman: The Animated Series, Spider-Man) to script the film from the original graphic novel, written by Jeph Loeb (Batman: The Long Halloween, Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America, Hulk, Superman / Batman) and drawn by Ed McGuiness (Deadpool, Vampirella, Wolverine, Superman / Batman) and you've got a great combination.

They also spared no expense when it came to actors they chose to do the voices. You've got animated Batman veteran Kevin Conroy, who has voiced the caped crusader in pretty much every incarnation of the character since 1992 (except The Batman and Batman: The Brave and the Bold). Superman is again voiced by Tim Daly, who has done the job since 1996 in the original animated series, the movies, and video games. Clancy Brown also returns to the role of Lex Luthor, who he has voiced the arch nemesis since the animated series in 1996. The film also features a multitude of well-known actors voicing other characters as well - LeVar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Michael Dorn (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine), Tony Todd (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Candyman, The Rock, Star Trek, 24: Redemption), Hector Elizondo (Monk, Justice League, Avatar: The Last Airbender), Jerry O'Connell (Sliders, Scream 2, Jerry Maguire, Stand By Me), and Robert Patrick (Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Alien Trespass, The X-Files, Fire in the Sky). This impressive list of talent leads me to my next point as to why this is every geek's favorite new animated movie. It has so many cameos from different heroes and villains that it had my head spinning at times. You've got Captain Marvel, Captain Atom, Hawkman, Bane, Solomon Grundy, Lex Luthor, Mr. Freeze, Metallo, Power Girl (voiced by Allison Mack of Smallville), and several more.

One thing that is noticeable right off the bat is that this is not the typical animation these movies usually have. It really looks like they were trying to get away from the style of Justice League, Batman, Superman, and Batman Beyond, so they could try something new. It's kind of awkward feeling at first, but after a few minutes you get used to the new style and move on to just enjoy this visually.

I really don't know how they could have made this better. Maybe a bit stronger story and a little longer run time, but I kind of like the short get-to-the point animated features the best. There really is nothing left to want for. I mean, they even have a giant robot made in Japan that is half Batman and half Superman. You read it right - a giant Superman / Batman robot. Oh, and I also failed to mention the giant chunk of Kryptonite that is heading for the Earth. What story with Superman involved would be complete without the green stuff? (Review by Eric Shirey)

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